Strictly Business Visits Nashville, 2010

Nashville has recently been big in the news, but not for the reasons it would like to be. The recent flooding has had a big impact on this wonderful city, but we’re pleased to report that the city is still up and running strong and is a great place to vacation! We took a long weekend trip here in September and are excited to share with you the places we stayed and visited

We were blown away when we walked into the Hermitage Hotel, our accommodations for Thursday evening of our trip. This place was truly built for royalty and you will feel like royalty when you stay there! The hotel was commissioned in 1908 and opened its doors in September of 1910. When it opened, the Hermitage was a symbol of Nashville’s emergence as a major Southern city and became a social center for Nashville and a frequent stop for some of the nation’s most prominent figures, from presidents and war heroes to actresses and gangsters. It’s clear to see why its popularity has not waned in over a hundred years—this is truly a gorgeous hotel and we were really treated like royalty! Inside the Hermitage is the wonderful Capitol Grille, which focuses on the “Farm to Table” concept and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This restaurant has hosted some of America’s most noted individuals while serving as a gathering place for Nashville residents and visitors. Executive Chef Tyler Brown prepares a celebration of creative southern cuisine for every occasion with an emphasis on certified Tennessee Black Angus Beef and game, market fresh seafood and the freshest and best available local products.

Nashville Airport Marriott | 600 Marriott Drive | 1-615-889-9300

On Friday and Saturday nights, we got the chance to stay at the Nashville Airport Marriott. This is a great hotel not only because it has the Marriott brand of quality and amenities, but also because it’s close to the airport and hosts many of the professional and college sports teams that travel to Nashville to play. During our stay, we ran into players for both the Oakland Raiders and LSU! With 19 meeting rooms and 25,000 sq ft of total meeting space, the Marriott is perfect if you’re planning a destination conference or meeting. However, even if you are just wanting to escape to Nashville for a little R&R, you’ll find that the comfortable rooms, evening turndown service and on-site grille and lounge provide the perfect backdrop for a wonderful vacation.

Of course, any visit to Nashville is not complete unless you check out the music scene at the various bars, honky tonks and other music venues that are all over the city. Here is a list of the amazing places we got a chance to visit.

Located in the heart of Music City USA in the historic Lower Broadway District and in the shadow of the Mother Church of Country Music (The Ryman Auditorium), Robert’s Western World is Nashville’s undisputed home of traditional country music. Visit here if you want the classic old country feel (and if you want a new old pair of boots—you can trade yours for any on the wall!).

Country music record covers plaster the walls, but the real attraction at Legends Corner is the bar’s live music: Some of the city’s finest contemporary acts make their mark onstage. This venue has moreof a ‘90s country feel to it and is a nice mix of locals and tourists.The Stage • thestageonbroadway.com

For an edgier, more contemporary country feel, The Stage on Broadway is the place to go! This bar is also the site of many famous events, such as the filming of the regional finals for Nashville Star in 2007, the filming of Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow’s new movie and numerous music video filmings.

The Bluebird Café is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms and the venue has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter’s performance space where the “heroes behind the hits” perform their own songs; songs that have been recorded by chart-topping artists in all genres of music. Located in a small strip mall outside of downtown Nashville, the 100 seat venue is unassuming in appearance but some of the most significant songwriters and artists have performed on this stage. What a cool place to visit and maybe even spot a star!

Cadillac Ranch’s focus is on bringing authentic, All-American cuisine to its customers in a fun, dynamic environment. The atmosphere is rock n’ roll inspired with live music and dancing. Great place to grab some, dinner, drinks and dance to some great music!

Downtown’s neighborhood place, Past Perfect is a funky, cool infusion bar that dubs itself a classic celebration of food and cocktails with a touch of class and a modern twist. We sampled various Bloody Mary’s here, but we definitely recommend you try one of the bar’s homemade infusion liquors (such as bubble gum vodka or apple brandy).

A 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, the General Jackson is one of the largest showboats in the country. It boasts four massive decks with a beautiful two-story Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat where live music shows are performed. We went on the General Jackson dinner cruise and had a phenomenal time! This is highly recommended for groups of friends, families or couples.

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a beautiful place to visit and learn more about a number of art forms. We were lucky enough to see an exhibit of Dave Chihuly, probably the most innovative glass artist creating art today. It was spectacular! The other exhibit we really enjoyed was the one on The Golden Age of Couture.

Nashville’s premier performance hall, the Ryman Auditorium offers daily tours and has exhibits on things like the Grand Ole’ Opry and Johnny & June at the Ryman. Fascinating to walk through this wonderful hall and see where so many class acts have performed!